teaching LK at a non-Orthodox school

amother ↓

Tue, Jun 29 2010, 8:12 am

I am considering working as a Jewish Studies teacher at a non-Orthodox school. There is no Orthodox school in this area, and the students come from many different backgrounds. There are a few parents who are frum or Orthodox, but they're a tiny minority. The people who run the school are not religious.

Has anyone done this? How did it work out? What are some of the challenges, and what did you do? What would you do?

I'm not against it in principle, but I'm worried about how it will play out. Mostly I don't want to be in a situation where they want me to teach things I don't believe in, and I worry that people will complain that the things I teach are too religious or too Orthodox leaning. Also, the curriculum at this school focuses a lot on Jewish culture, and too little on actual religious content, on yahadut, in my opinion.

Any ideas?

mamaleh

Tue, Jun 29 2010, 10:29 am

I never did this personally, but I know people who have. A few things to keep in mind:
* Speak to your Rav b4 you make a decision. There are a number of halachic issues involved. Also, it's important that your rav is available to you for any issues that come up later.
* I would clarify with them b4 hand that you will not teach anything that goes against Halacha. Tell them if your Rabbi says no then the answer is no.
* One halachic issue that will almost definitely come up is teaching Torah to non- Jews (this includes the children of women with non- frum conversions). There are ways to deal with it, but I know people who have found them difficult to implement. Make sure you are comfortable with them.
* Also remember that the other staff members may not be as comfortable around you. While this might not bother you from a personal/ social perspective, it will occasionally carry over to professional issues (school politics, student discipline, and other things as well).

All that having been said, this can be a great opportunity. Many of these students have probably never had the chance to get to know a frum person before. Your influence could make a huge difference. It might not change them in the immediate future, but it might make them think twice, down the line when other things come up. There are many stories of totally non frum people who (contrary to popular opinion) supported projects that helped the frum (eiruv, mikva, mechitza, etc) because of one teacher they had as a child.
Hatzlacha whatever you decide!

ewa-jo

Tue, Jun 29 2010, 10:37 am

My BIL grew up in a non-religious family and became from because of a 5th grade teacher in their nominally-Jewish school. Of course, he went into chinuch and now teaches at a conservative school (he's haredi, black hat) so he has a chance to influence kids who grew up without positive religious influences.

↑ amother ↓

Tue, Jun 29 2010, 11:28 am

Thanks so much!

The biggest issue for me is teaching things that go against halacha. Obviously, I can't do that.

Ewa-jo, how does your BIL manage? And how does he get along with the other teacher, especially the Jewish Studies ones?

The school in question isn't Conservative, but a community school. The head of JS isn't at all frum! I've worked with Conservative people before and that went fine. The ones I worked with kept kosher, at least to some extent, "did" shabbat, had some awareness of why I dress like I dress. Not sure it's going to be like that here.

Mamaleh - of course, I'm completely excited about the idea of teaching there. From what I heard the person who had my job until now was completely not qualified. It would be amazing to provide a quality education to these students, even if it's not ideal.

↑ amother ↓

Tue, Jun 29 2010, 2:23 pm

I am currently teaching in an "orthodox" school where the majority of the student body is not religious at all. Some of the difficulties I face is the parents apathy toward Jewish Studies. Many of them don't care at all and certainly don't see it as equal to secular subjects. I have children tell me all the time they didn't have time to do their JS homework because they were doing an English project etc.. Another difficulty is that you often get a class of students who bring with them their parents issues with Judaism. It can also be challenging to give a lesson on Kashrus and know that many of them are going home to chazar traif homes.

I don't have curriculum issues as the ethos of the school is frum and therefore I am not being asked to teach any questionable things

There can be benefits too, You have the opportunity to introduce yiddishkiet to children who have no prior experiences. imagine being the first one to see the glow of chanukah candles in their eyes. Also, if you made an impact on just one Jewish child and brought them or their families closer to keeping mitzvos- it's a real zechus.

good luck

↑ amother

Sun, Aug 15 2010, 11:32 am

I got the job, and it looks like it starts very very soon.

Any other words of wisdom?

Socially it actually looks like it could be really nice for me. The other new teachers - all regular general studies classroom teachers - are mid 20s and married and Jewish (though not frum) which is a good start.

If anyone has any encouragement, suggestions, or things to think about, please comment. Even if you've never been in this situation or aren't a teacher.
I'm nervous!

TIA